International Piano-E-Competition Takes Center Stage at Hamline

Hamline University is proud to announce that all performances of the 2009 Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition, with the exception of the Concertos with the Minnesota Orchestra, will take place at Sundin Music Hall at Hamline University.

The public has an opportunity to hear scintillating performances from some of the best young pianists in the world, as the events at Hamline are free and open to all.

Sundin Music Hall is located at 1531 Hewitt Avenue in Saint Paul. The performances are June 30-July 5 and July 7, 2009, and they begin each day at noon and end in the evening. The public is welcome to attend one performance or all. For a complete schedule of performance times, visit: www.piano-e-competition.com. 

The competition brings twenty-four of the best young pianists from all over the world to the Twin Cities. In series of breathtaking performances, the contestants compete for the top prize of $25,000, a grand piano, and a series of scheduled engagements. 

During the first five days, the contestants will each perform a full recital program with repertoire of their own choosing. The works to be performed range from old masters such as Bach and Beethoven to twentieth and twenty-first century composers such as Toru Takemitsu, Gyorgy Kurtag, and also a composer with Minnesota connections, Judith Zaimont. Nine performers selected from this group will each perform a Schubert Sonata. Of them, six finalists will be chosen to perform a Piano Quintet with the Rosalyra Quartet and a concerto with the Minnesota Orchestra.  

Concerto Rounds will take place at Orchestra Hall on July 9 and 10, as will the Award Ceremony, Winners Recital, and Gala Concert. 

The Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition, which Hamline has hosted since 2002, is a competition of the highest artistic quality and integrity that brings young artists with promise of lasting and important careers, to the public's attention. The competition receives the highest five-star ranking by the renowned Alink-Argerich Foundation, an honor bestowed to very few such events in the United States. This year's competition began with 153 applicants. 

For more information on the 2009 Minnesota International Piano-e-competition, please contact Dr. Stella Sick, (612) 532-5399 or piano@ecompetition.org.